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![WELCOME: Police inspector Matt French started his new role in Tamworth on Tuesday after moving from Coffs Harbour. Photo: Geoff O'Neill 300914GOB02 WELCOME: Police inspector Matt French started his new role in Tamworth on Tuesday after moving from Coffs Harbour. Photo: Geoff O'Neill 300914GOB02](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-feed-data/4492598c-0e4c-4f51-96ae-b097b05a4558.jpg/r51_133_1915_1491_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
TAMWORTH'S newest police inspector was quick to find his feet on his first day on Tuesday.
Inspector Matt French was promoted to the Oxley Local Area Command from his position as sergeant in coastal Coffs Harbour and has brought his wife and two children to Tamworth for his new role.
In his 17 years as a police officer, he worked up and down the coast, undertaking stints in Bellingen, Mullumbimby, Urunga and Sydney, as well as in Wilcannia in the state's far west.
He said his experience working in the more isolated Wilcannia, with its minimal number of police, brought daily challenges but had polished up his skills to bring to our region.
He formerly worked as a general-duties supervisor but also has expertise in the tactical side of policing, having been a weapons instructor and part of the support crew to assist in crowd control and high-risk situations in country areas.
Though the new role is primarily in management, he has a passion for hands-on police work and is still hoping to police on the ground.
He said he was learning "the run down of the place" and settling in on his first day.
"My initial impression is that Tamworth seems like a welcoming, great town," he said.
"It was a big move from the coast, but I can really see myself and family settling in here.
"We're really looking forward to getting involved in the community through sport and other activities."